dog problems blog

Literary Aspirations

2009-06-14T16:14:00.004+01:00

They say that everyone has one good book in them, I'm not sure that's true but I've an ego as big as the next person and so have been writing mine. it's a long way from complete as I keep getting diverted. There are always dogs and their owners to be helped and of course my own family to be considered so I write as and when I can, which is not very often.

Nobody is going to be interested in my early life which featured a happy but largely uneventful childhood. It becomes more of a story when I joined The Metropolitan Police in 1967 and patrolled Soho and Mayfair until moving to The Special Patrol Group at Scotland Yard in 1969. In 1975 I transferred to Hampshire Constabulary where after a short posting on the Isle of Wight I was posted to the Dog Section where I stayed until 2002 when I retired. I then took on my current role of Dog Listener.

My first decision has to be whether to write one huge book the size of war and peace or break it into two or three segments. I think I'll opt for a book about my Dog Section and Dog Listening experiences because they run seamlessly into one another and at times ran parallel. If I get anywhere with publishers then I could follow up with a tome about my London experiences and believe me, they were experiences.

In the meantime I have an interest in a couple of books by other people. One written by an American colleague Kim Kapes and titled 'From Wags to Riches' which features a little story that I told her about one of my dogs. Kim uses the story to illustrate a point. She also freely acknowledges the contributions made by myself and others to the book. I therefore have no hesitation in saying "Buy This Book".

The second publication is a different matter. Some time ago myself and a colleague, Caroline Spencer www.yourdoglistener.com assisted an owner with some seriously traumatised dogs. We worked long and hard, travelled hundreds of miles all at our own expense and much of the time in the face of indifference and "I know best" from the owner. In the end we reached a happy resolution due almost entirely to the work put in by Caroline. I then heard that the owner had written a book about the dogs and his experiences. I was interested to see what he had to say about the turn around we'd achieved in the animals. I was sent a copy of the book by someone who knew the work we'd put in. I checked the index, nothing. I flicked through the pages hoping to catch a glimpse of Caroline's or my name, nothing. When all fails, read the book. After ploughing through 299 pages. There we were, or rather we weren't. It was at the stage of the story where the writer realised that he had a huge problem on his hands. He knew that the dogs needed and I quote. "Someone with huge patience to train them. I doubted there was anyone around who fitted that bill. Well apart from me that was" So that was that. Caroline and I didn't exist. We weren't after star billing or even a name check but just a mention that he'd received some help and hopefully how well our method was in dealing with traumatised dogs would have been nice. This would have had a positive result in encouraging readers who had similar problems to know that help was available. It's no big deal but I admit to feeling a little, no that's wrong, feeling very used and exploited. It would however be a sign of petulance and petty mindedness not to tell you the title of the book....so I won't.

Phoenix the Puppy Progress Report

2009-06-14T08:52:00.004+01:00

I went to see the litter from which I was to select my new Labrador puppy, provisionally named Phoenix, when the were three weeks old. It is a really good looking litter of three bitches (one black, two yellow) and four dogs (two black, two yellow). My preference was for a black dog but I wanted the best litter member regardless of gender or colour.

I used a method of assessment and temperament testing known only to me and two Ecuadorian goat herders and selected a black dog who pefectly suited the name that I favoured. A week later I received a phone call from the breeder telling me that there was a problem with Phoenix. My heart sank. What was the problem? An injury, or worse still parvo virus? I was quickly reassured, he was perfectly healthy but had developed tan markings on his feet and a couple of small marks on his cheeks.

Stella, the breeder said that If I did not want Phoenix she would understand as some people will only accept 'solid' colouring and because he was 'mismarked' he could not be registered with the Kennel Club. My response was that I'd selected him because he was the best dog in the litter and he would remain my choice whatever his colouring. Stella was very pleased with this but asked me to come down and have another look at him because the marking may become more pronounced and the next time I will see him is when I get back from Australia and collect him, when he'll be eight weeks old.

I travelled down to the New Forest to see the changes a week can bring. He was bigger, fitter, stronger and as for the markings? I think they look great. It may offend the purists who have dogs just for show but I want a dog that will work for me but most of all be my mate. I think I'll have that in Phoenix and of course he will be great company for Treacle.

Some Good News For A Change

2009-05-16T13:34:00.004+01:00

For months now everything happening out there in the world and being covered in the press has been so depressing. It seems that they can only report on people such as 'St Jade', The Beckhams, Jordan and Peter Andre not forgetting Madonna and her divine right to adopt any child she wants because of who she is and the size of her bank balance. And now of course we have the scandal over expenses for MPs. Enough has been written about this by people far more eloquent than me and I'm sure that there's more to come.

So it's time for some good news. I'm getting a new puppy! Sadly due to the passage of time and the natural order of things all my dogs have gone to that great kennel in the sky. It leaves a huge void in any dog lovers life but to someone like me who spent every waking moment with their dogs at work and at home it's indescribable. I find myself looking to my left hand side ready to give a little tickle on the top of the head and there's nothing there.

I obviously urgently needed a new dog and have been looking. It's got to be a good dog because it wouldn't be fair to those dogs who have gone before to have second best. I've done my research and had a lot of disappointments but now everything has come right. A Labrador cuddle muffin called Phoenix, one of a litter of seven will be my new best mate. The timing of the birth couldn't be better either. I am off to Australia shortly for a few weeks during which time I hope to meet some colleagues from the Southern Hemisphere and see some dingoes. On my arrival home it will be just the right time for Phoenix to leave the litter and come home with me. Once he's had all his jabs we will be going to a remote cottage in Yorkshire for a break and there he will be able to play with my daughters chocolate Lab, Treacle. Exercise at this early age will of course be carefully monitored, he will still be a baby.

As with all my dogs, Phoenix will be raised using the kind, natural, non confrontational methods that I experimented with in the late 1970s but started really having great success in the mid 1980s which culminated in a Chief Constables Commendation in 1988. As you can see this is not a new method, canines of all sorts have been using it forever. It's only in the past few years that we humans, top of the food chain and so much brighter than dogs (yeah right) have realised that we can interact and communicate with our best friends without bellowing and ripping their heads off.

In earlier posts on this blog there are some frightening video clips of a younger me with hair working a dog. I hope to have a video diary of Phoenix and his progress. Watch this space.

Oh Dear How Sad Never Mind

2009-03-13T15:48:00.003Z

I came across the article below and was angry but not surprised. This is the government that was going to be 'Tough on crime. Tough on the causes of crime'. When a politician produces sound bites like that you just know that they mean 'We'll make the copper on the streets job even harder than it is already, and when something goes wrong, we'll have a large number of people sit around a table with cups of tea and decide how to blame the police for doing their job'.

Read the article and see all the different groups that sat in judgement. What a collection of letters in their titles, you could get a great score in Scrabble. One thing they have in common is that they've for the most part never done anything more dangerous than stand in a queue in a supermarket. This grandly titled 'Learning The Lessons Committee' which of course is a 'multi-agency committee' (it would be wouldn't it?). Although multi agency it is a tad light on operational Police Officers who actually have to do the job. When I say a tad light I mean none, not one. it wouldn't do would it, to bring a dose of reality to the proceedings?

Lessons: Using Police Dogs Against Youngsters
12-Mar-09
A case in which two youngsters were injured by a police dog raises both good practice and lessons to be learned regarding using police dogs on juveniles...
The Learning the Lessons Committee is a multi-agency committee established to disseminate and promote learning across the police service. Its members are: ACPO, APA, Home Office, IPCC, HMIC and the NPIA. The Committee produces bulletins with articles containing lessons from investigations. One such article is published below:

Police received an anonymous call about the sound of breaking glass coming from playing fields and, suspecting a burglary, went to the scene with a police dog handler and his dog. They spotted four youngsters running towards the top of the field but because they were in hooded tops and jackets they could not tell how old they were. The Force did not have a policy about using dogs against juveniles.
The dog handler shouted that he had a police dog and would send it after them unless they stood still. The youngsters kept running and, as he was too far away to catch them on foot, he sent the dog after the nearest suspect. When the dog brought the suspect to the ground, he discovered the suspect was a girl. One of the other suspects was still moving, either running or waving his arms around and shouting. The dog ran at him and knocked him to the ground.
The dog’s actions injured both the girl, who was 15, and the boy, who was 12. She had a bruise on her arm and grazed her side and stomach; he had a cut to his upper lip and scratches on the back of his shoulder. The youngsters had not managed to get into the pavilion but three of them (including the two caught by the dog) were given a reprimand for criminal damage.
Good practice: After-care card, with suitable advice and contact information, carried by dog-handlers to be given to anyone who had received a dog-bite; copying all third-party dog bite reports to the Professional Standards Department for review and possible referral to the IPCC.
Key messages are to ensure the Force’s dog deployment policy gives guidance or instruction about deploying dogs against juveniles; integrate records held on dog-handlers to give a comprehensive picture of their performance.

Well readers what do you think? Why did it take all of these very highly paid people to sit round a table and discuss what any right thinking person could work out for themselves.

There was a crime in progress. It was either burglary or criminal damage to the pavilion.

A police dog handler attended. It may well be that had he not attended as promptly as he did then the criminal damage would have become burglary as they gained entry.

The dog handler located the offenders and challenged them. It was dark and they were wearing hoods. Their age and/or gender would not have been apparent to him.

They ignored the repeated challenge and decamped, as a result they were stopped by the dog, well boo hoo. So they were 15 and 12, old enough to be out in the dark and commit crime, old enough to shout abuse at police, old enough to cost you and me, the taxpayer, even more money. They were lucky to get away with such slight injuries, either it was a very young dog or the handler was very switched on and quickly called his dog off.

The point is that the offenders had choices. They had a choice not to either destroy property that wasn't theirs or to try and steal. Having decided against that choice, when confronted by the dog and handler they then had the choice to run or be compliant. They chose to run. Everything has a consequence of action either good or bad. These people made bad decisions and showed lack of respect for their community so why are we discussing what the police should have done?

She was a girl! Yes, and your point is? Go into any city centre at night or even just stand outside a school and you'll hear language, see yobbish behaviour and violence that you'd expect to see in the east end of London when the Krays were around.

He was 12. Once again his decision. If he wants to play the hard man the world can end in pain. Just what was the handler supposed to do? Perhaps run alongside them and on discovering it was a girl let her go? To the best of my knowledge the law applies to both genders. And as for the 12 year old boy there are some big lads of that age, I have had a 13 year old try to stab me and a 14 year old swing a scaffold pole at me with such force it broke my foot so you'll forgive me if I don't feel sorry for these little darlings.

Anyone who decides to take on a police dog is very stupid and the outcome will not be in doubt, sadly part of the outcome will be a collection of bleeding hearts blaming the police or victims.

Recent and Future Travels

2009-03-13T11:46:00.004Z

It's a busy life being a Dog Listener hence the delay since my last posting. Already this year in the course of my job 'mending dogs', as well as my usual hunting ground of Southern England I have travelled to such diverse and exotic locations as Scunthorpe (twice) Northamptonshire, the Isle of Wight (twice). Still to come are France, Australia, Yorkshire and possibly America.

There have been a number of jobs on offer which it would be prohibitive in cost to the client for me to travel such a distance. In cases like these we have a network of Dog Listeners across the UK and indeed the world that we can refer the client to. In some cases clients are not concerned about the distance or cost they want a specific Dog Listener. It maybe because of their background, that they would feel more comfortable with a male (or female) dealing with their dog or they might just like the look of a particular Dog Listener. Whatever the reason I, and my colleagues will always do our best to keep the customer happy. Wherever you are we can almost certainly get someone to assist you and your best friend.

This year has already yielded a crop of super dogs and clients helped. I hope soon to update my website and get some of their stories and pictures on the testimonial page.

With a general election coming I really need to get my act together and start putting pressure on all political parties about electric shock collars, spiked collars and other brutal training methods. watch this space.

While on the subject of watching don't miss BBC2 at 8p.m. on Sunday 15th March 2009. The start of a series on Yellowstone Park my spiritual home. the place where you will (if you know the right people) witness canines in their most beautiful and natural state. I'll be recording it because I know that if I don't, then at the most interesting part someone will phone me to tell me it's on and ask if I'm watching. So everybody, yes I know it's on and I won't forget to watch.

Dogs as Film stars

2009-01-02T12:10:00.005Z

On the 31st August I posted an article part of which included a warning about fashionable breeds and how they can go out of style just as quickly and then clog up the rescue centres. Further to that it now seems that 2009 is to be year for films about 'cute dogs'. There are a number of films either made or in production with some big name stars. The dogs include a Chihuahua, Labrador, German Shepherd and a multi pedigree. One of the films 'Marley and Me' I am told by people who've seen it in the US where it is already on release; is not too sickly sweet. I am however concerned that we will have an infestation of unwanted chihuahuas later in the year.

If you do see these films then think long and hard on leaving the cinema before you take the step that can lead to heartbreak for both dogs and humans.

Once Hollywood have exhausted the cute dog theme the next project is to milk the cute cate scenario (is there one?)

Be Careful About Who You Let Near Your Dog

2008-12-16T12:20:00.005Z

Below is an article I picked up from a Chicago newspaper. Once again it concerns the use of cruel training gadgets on dogs. Every dog owner should read this as a cautionary tale. It's horrific not only for what this woman has done but the justification she uses. In essence what she says is that it's alright to attach an electric shock collar to a dogs genitals and if anyone complains then they're only doing so because she's black or a woman (or maybe both). No thought that it is wrong to torture a dog then? It's much easier to blame someone else. Wrong! If you either treat a dog this way or allow anyone else to do so then it matters not what gender, race, colour or religion you are this is still cruel and unacceptable. If it's not illegal in your part of the world then it should be.

I know that I talk about this subject a lot and annoy the hell out a lot of 'traditional trainers' or sellers of cruel training gadgets (often one and the same people) but it really is important. Whichever method that you choose to train your dog, please ensure that you are involved at every stage. Please don't let someone charge you a lot of money, take your best friend away and then return them days or weeks later 'trained'. You don't know what's happened to your dog or what equipment has been used. Even if you've found the best trainer in the world how can you carry on the training if you've not been party to it? If the dog has bonded with anyone it will be with the trainer not you. You are the one after all, who handed total control of your dog to a stranger. How can he trust you not to do the same again sometime in the future?

Your dog, your best friend and certainly your responsibility.

Click on and read the following link, you will, I hope, be angry. But at the same time see the positive side in that people are no longer sitting back and accepting this behaviour just because someone on TV says it's ok. I've left some of the comments to the paper attached as well. They make interesting reading, particularly if you have an interest in following the links to the bigger story.

http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/dogtraining/

Police Dog Sections Cut

2008-12-14T11:55:00.003Z

A recent story confirmed my suspicions that the Police Service (you mustn't say Police Force......it's naughty). Have been taken over by Social Services.

For years certain elements in the 'community' and Government have been trying to either get rid of Police Dogs altogether or restrict their use and capabilities. Why? Very simple, they are effective, they have no pre-conceived ideas. They only know that the offenders track goes this way. They don't know and certainly don't care that in that particular area the 'community' don't like the police entering 'their' neighbourhood. If the bad guy went this way, well that's where he went. If someone attacks a police dog then they will be bitten. If they run away the dog will stop them. The dog is the only piece of kit in the police toolbox who, two hours after an offender has left the scene can put his nose on the ground and say to his handler "He went this way and he dropped this weapon or threw away these car keys". They can be used to track criminals, find missing persons, search buildings for suspects hiding, search crime scenes for evidence, deal with public disorder. Disarm and detain violent offenders, teach road safety to children, act as great public relation ambassadors and of course also find drugs, explosives, firearms and money. All this for a few dog biscuits and a bit of love and affection. Good value I'd say.

The rot set in when it was decided that a manager is a manager and their roles are interchangeable. No knowledge is required of the department that is being managed. We saw just how well that worked when the man put in charge of the Royal Mail came straight from heading the Football Association. there was a connection in that both organisations failed to deliver. If you've never worked or trained a dog how can you know when things are not right? If you've never been on your own down a dark alley at 3 a.m. with a group of people trying to fillet you with cutlery marked 'made in China' how can you appreciate the stress your staff are under? The fact that you ran the 'Department of Folding Chairs' for the government and can compile a mean pie chart doesn't mean much in the real world.

We now see very real cuts in dog sections across the UK. one of the largest, Greater Manchester, are halving their establishment. Think of all that dedication and experience in both dogs and handlers, gone at a stroke. Once lost experience takes a long time to regain, if it ever is. What will happen to the money saved? A lot will be kept by the government and the rest will be spent on 'management suites' and teams of clerical staff to compile more targets and paperwork for the two policeman left actually doing the job to meet and complete.

Joined up Government they call it.

Busy Times

2008-12-14T10:45:00.004Z

As the title says it's been a very busy time on three fronts, dog listening, our new charity 'Every Chance Rescue' and domestically.

I am very busy at this time of year as people try to iron out problems with their dogs prior to Christmas. In the post Christmas period there are the dogs to be sorted out who have somehow upset their families over the holiday. There is also the puppy who has been bought as a present and is suffering shell shock who needs de-stressing. I'm also taking part in an 'Enhancement Course' in mid January. Along with dog listener colleagues I am always striving to improve both my knowledge and the service given to clients and their dogs.

Every Chance Rescue is due it's official launch any day now. Watch this space for website details. On Friday I travelled to Scunthorpe for the first full meeting of the Every Chance team. It was a very productive meeting with a huge range of issues discussed. As with any such venture the main problem is going to be money. There is less of it about and more calls on it than ever before but if we don't succeed then dogs will die because the dogs we are dealing with are the ones that have been let down big time by humans. Normal rescue centres can't or won't take them so it's down to us. we mustn't let them down. They've already been down that road.

On the domestic front it's been a manic year with highs and lows. The high has to be the wedding of my son Richard to Kathryn in September and my trip to Montana to see the wolves in February. The lows have been varied and include my sister having her leg amputated just before the wedding. Due to the wonderful support and resources given to the NHS by the government she is being discharged to her home on Monday. She wants to go home but not in the condition she is in. Her wound has not healed and still bleeds heavily, she developed MRSA in hospital and is being discharged without the condition being resolved. She lives alone with an upstairs bathroom and no means of reaching it. The occupational therapist in the case has been superb and tried to arrange a number of things to improve the situation. However as my sister has worked all her life and contributed in taxes she now becomes a very low priority. She was stupid enough to buy her own house but has no savings to speak of and so will be left to fend for herself. I'm her next of kin but live some distance away and certainly couldn't visit everyday. I have, in between hospital visits been making what alterations that I can to her house to make it more user friendly. Still I can relax in the knowledge that the money being saved in not treating my sister can be used in treating Waynes drug habit, Tylers ADHD or in giving AIDS medication running to thousands of pounds a month to someone who shouldn't even be in the country and certainly has no intention of contributing anything. Bitter, moi?

The Simpsons is a very clever programme full of great observational humour. In one episode about income tax, Ned Flanders is asked by his sons, Rod and Todd why he has to pay tax. He replied "It's to pay for the schools, the libraries, roads and hey, for those people who just don't want to work. God bless them."

I'm Both Interesting and Unusual

2008-11-13T10:01:00.003Z

No real surprise there then. But it's true, my occupation although not specifically named Dog Listeners but people who deal with dog behaviour problems; was listed as one of the ten most interesting or unusual jobs.

My occupation came in at number four. Just below embalmers but above kosher certification consultants and vibration consultants. I've no idea what the latter do.......or do I? I would imagine that they get a buzz out of their job.

Also on the list are court jesters, feng shui consultants and Ravenmaster at the Tower of London.

So when considering a career it doesn't have to be banking, sales or a service industry. You could get out there and rattle those ravens.

Every Chance Rescue

2008-11-13T08:44:00.004Z

I am pleased to announce the founding of Every Chance Rescue. Not another charity you might say and you'd be right. Every Chance aims to do what it says in it's title, give every dog, every chance.

Countless dogs are needlessly put down because events out of their control have led them to bite or even just show verbal aggression. Many of these deaths could be prevented and in an effort to make this happen Every Chance was founded.

You will be hearing a lot more about this venture but in the meantime have a look at our 'Mission Statement'

Every Chance Rescue

Mission Statement

Every Chance Rescue, a non-profit making organisation was formed in October 2008 to bridge the gap that traditional rescue organisations cannot fill.

The organisation is run entirely by Jan Fennell qualified and monitored Dog Listeners and sits alongside Jan Fennell International Dog Listeners Ltd.

Using international best selling author, Jan Fennell’s method of Amichien® Bonding, Every Chance Rescue work with dogs that other organisations find impossible to re home and is dedicated to the rehabilitation and re homing of such dogs.

Every dog that comes into care is given appropriate veterinary treatment and is re homed fully vaccinated, neutered and micro chipped.

We work diligently to save dogs from mistreatment and unnecessary death, provide them with a safe, secure environment and foster homes where they receive the highest quality of care and treatment. Ultimately we place them with owners that are fully supported by Dog Listeners to provide Amichien Bonding® in a safe and loving home.

How To Get Bitten

2008-11-08T10:42:00.003Z

And then make something out of nothing.

You may have already seen this on the news but I was amazed at this reporters stupidity. He starts off apparantly teasing Barney, George Bush's dog who is on a lead, and then, without any consultation with the person holding the lead, he lunges straight into Barney's personal space with right hand outstretched and a large sheaf of papers in the left. Barney checks out his options. He tries flight, no good, on a lead. Freeze is not an option, he can't ignore this big lump looming over him so it's fight. No other option, but even as he is using that option Barney is moving backwards and obviously telling the reporter 'backoff'.

I found it really hard to see any contact. Any that did occur was richly deserved. What did the reporter do? He saw the White House Physician and had the wound? dressed. The reporter says it will have to be rebandaged daily and he'll be on a course of anti-biotics. Oh please!!! In one report it said that 'Following the attack (no overdramatisation there then) the reporter was treated by the Presidents Personal Surgeon."What would have happened if the dog had belonged to a member of the public, was bigger, or if the incident had not been filmed to show that the bite was justified? Probably a dead dog, just because once again a human had done the wrong thing and the dog would be the loser. How many times on a daily basis do incidents like this occur that result in dogs being killed? Many more than you'd like to think. But hey that's ok how dare a dog act like a dog? We're humans, top of the food chain. Cross us and die.

To see the incident such as it is go to:-http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yZom8iqPu6Y

My Theatre Review (including bars)

2008-10-29T15:40:00.005Z

As you know my blog and website are centred on and around dogs. However sometimes I like to take a quick wander to other things that come into my life.

As can see I have not posted for a while. this has been due in some part to pressure of work but mainly due to huge amounts of family stuff from weddings, illness through to funerals so a bit of everything really.

The best bit was the wedding of Richard, my youngest son which was a super wedding and meant that we stayed for a couple of nights at a very nice hotel near Winchester. As a result of this I was forced to have two of the biggest cooked breakfast imaginable but hey, if they've gone to the trouble of cooking it it would be churlish to refuse.

As we'd had a fairly manic time my wife and I paid a visit to the theatre for a bit of light relief. We quite often go to live theatre. Sometimes locally but more often in London's West End. I thought I'd just give you a quick personal view of what's on now and recently that we've seen. It might save you some money.

Our latest visit was to see 'The 39 Steps' at the Criterion at Picadilly Circus. It had a cast of four all playing a variety of roles and an arm (playing an arm) it was fast moving and brilliantly funny, just what we needed to lighten our spirits. If you ever see anything advertised by The Reduced Shakespeare Company go and see it. I defy you not to come out of the theatre with a smile on your face. They perform such things as 'The Complete Works of Shakespeare in 90 minutes' or 'The Bible (Old and New Testaments) in 90 minutes.'

The Mousetrap. London's, and probably the world's longest running play now in it's 56th year. A good old fashioned who dunnit played tongue in cheek. You musn't be the only person who hasn't seen it.

Stomp. Very clever, talented percussionists but more worthy of a ten minute slot in a variety show than a theatre all to itself. There are only so many ways you can hit something. Save your money

While I'm on the subject of Stomp it brings something else to mind. Theatre bars. Now I know that they're going to be over priced. they've got you. Either you pay their price or go thirsty, but why, when they know how many people they are going to be serving and at what time they will arrive, do they only put the bottles in the fridges as they open to the public? When we saw Stomp we arrived in time to get a drink and also order our interval drinks. On walking into the bar (on a very hot day) we found that we were the only customers and there were two members of staff. One was a very slim petulant looking oriental male who would have made the Pet Shop Boys look like Royal Marine Commandoes. the other staff member was a female whose previous job had obviously been as Morale Officer on the Titanic. I approached the male member of staff, banknote in hand. He ignored me. "Excuse me." I said apologetically. He turned and walked away without a word, it must have been pressure of work that caused him not to notice us. I approached the female member of staff and after speaking to her twice she glanced in my direction. I believe she was French with all the Gallic charm and love of the English that this brings. Being French she knew how to deal with wine to bring the best out so when I ordered a glass of white wine for my wife she knew it was best served in a less than sparkling clean glass at slightly over twice blood temperature. Well it does stop people drinking too much. As it was such a hot day I decided to have a lager. When I first asked she just looked at me, no response. I tried again "A lager please." Sullen silence. one more time then. "What lagers do you have?" At this point she slammed two bottles down in front of me, one of Guinness the other Strongbow Cider. At this point I decided on that famous brand of lager, Diet Coke.

We Will Rock You. This got a kicking from the critics but everybody I know who has seen it agrees with me that it's brilliant and it's funny. It's not Shakespeare, it's not meant to be. If you like the music of Queen you must see this, if you like the writing of Ben Elton then you must see it.

The Woman in Black. Not bad, not a lot of laughs

The Woman in White although not currently on in West End as above

Buddy. Great live rock n roll a fun show (and about the only theatre with cold drinks)

Spamalot. Another fun show although you need to be well up on your Monty Python to get all the jokes. Heavy merchandising before during and after the show.

The Producers. Not currently on, my wife enjoyed I found it OK but wouldn't rush to see it again.

One play which had a very short West End run was Telstar. The story of Joe Meek. This was particularly interesting to me as when Joe Meek was alive I was playing in a group. Friends of mine in another group (and much better than us) were targeted by Meek with promises of stardom. It probably had nothing to do with the fact that they had a very good looking bass player. It's probably only coincidence that when Roger, an unfortunate name in the circumstances, made it very clear that he was a devout hetrosexual that their potential chart topping status finished. I digress. It was an enormously enjoyable play and has just been made into a feature film of the same name due to be released soon. I will be seeing it without fail. There are some laughs but it's in essence the story of one talented mans rush to self destruction but hey the music's good.

A Stressful Time For Dogs

2008-10-29T14:23:00.004Z

We are now approaching the time of year that puts dogs (and other family pets) under more stress that at any other. Halloween, Bonfire night and then the run up to Christmas.

For Bonfire night and the period of firework displays around it. You will hopefully already have a system in place to keep your dog safe and as relaxed as possible while all the noise is going on. If not, perhaps you'd better arrange a consultation with a dog listener before next year. Of course that is not going to help your dog now. If your dog is not concerned with the noise then that's fine, just carry on as normal. If your dog sees you unconcerned he'll be relaxed. Under no circumstances comfort your dog. you will give him the signal that you are terrified too and he is right to be frightened. If he does show signs of fright or stress just take him by the collar and hold him at your side with no speech or eye contact. He will at first continue to shake or bark. Ignore it until he relaxes. How long will this take? Who knows? Every dog is different but relax he will. You can then silently release him. It may be that shortly after there is another loud bang and your dog gets stressed again. Repeat as above. Each time you hold him by your side the time it takes for him to relax will decrease.

The upside of this, probably as a result of the credit crunch, is that here we are in late October and I've yet to hear my first firework. It won't last of course so stay calm.

Halloween, that wondrous time of the year when gangs of small, and not so small children travel from house to house demanding protection money. "OK old woman! What's it going to be, the sweets or your front window?"

The temptation is to go to the door with your dog. Bad move and potentially very dangerous for the dog. He doesn't know it's Halloween and when he goes to the door with you and is confronted by loud, squealing, strangely dressed creatures, he may well fall back into defence drive. All your dog, any dog knows, is how to be a dog. When a dog is threatened, angry, frightened or just hacked off; they don't call their lawyers they bite. It's called survival.

If your dog bites, or even has a near miss with a child on your doorstep, even if the callers are at fault. You will be looking at a lot of grief and potential fatal consequences for your dog who after all only did what he thought was right.

When you answer the door at anytime, but particularly at times like this. It's a good idea to put your dog in another room first. After all it's not your dogs job to decide who can or can't come into the house is it? Play safe and nothing can go wrong for you, your visitors or your best friend.

Which only leaves Christmas, another stressful time. So much to do, so little time and it's started already. Money is in short supply, tempers get frayed. By the time the big day arrives in some homes it's a war zone. Rowing parents, unwanted relatives, spoilt children and burnt turkey. it can be bad for the humans and we know what's going on. The poor old dog just wants to be left alone. Give him a bit of peace if you can, somewhere he can just go and chill out.

Dog Breeds and Breeders

2008-08-31T16:25:00.002+01:00

So you've decided to get a dog. That's one decision out of the way. The next is what type of dog? Should it be a pedigree or cross breed or 'multi pedigree' as I like to think of them? Puppy or older rescue dog? Dog or bitch?

All these questions need to be considered before you go and look at any live dogs. the decision is not yours alone, the rest of the family must have some input too. Really think this through, your family structure, lifestyle, working hours, house size and garden size are all relevant to your final decision as to whether you can look after a dog and if so what size you can comfortably introduce into your household.

There have been several good tv documentaries lately about breeders and show dogs which have been horrific but were well worth watching because knowledge is power. I have been making my living with dogs for 30+ years and yet did not know until seeing one of these programmes that the distinctive ridge on the Rhodesian Ridgeback is an indicator of Spina Bifida. The dogs born without the ridge are the healthy ones. Knowing that you would think that the sensible and caring breeder would go for the ridgeless variety wouldn't you? In fact the policy of the breeders is to 'cull' all ridgeless puppies. 'Cull' is a term used to make the killing of perfectly healthy puppies sound a little less brutal and let's face it, stupid.

Eugenics it's called. It went down very big with Nazi Germany in the 1930s in their quest to build a master race. They at least, were logical about it and placed fit young men with fit young women with the idea of producing strong babies. Even in prewar Germany they wouldn't have thought it a good idea to kill all the strong healthy children and nurture those who would be a burden on the state for the rest of their probably short and painful lives.

If you are going to get a thoroughbred dog make sure you attend the kennels or breeders home and see the litter on their home turf together with the parents. Don't be confused or dazzled by pedigree papers they're often not worth the paper they're printed on. If you're going for a breed that is classified as 'working' such as Labrador, German Shepherd or Spaniels then I strongly advise that you go to a breeder that breeds working stock. In many breeds, the German Shepherd is a good example, the working and show dogs are almost separate breeds with the show variety having an exaggerated sloping back end and, in many cases, is almost unable to walk. Have a look at a Police Dog or Guide Dog for the Blind, they have a good straight back and stand there looking comfortable because they are as nature intended. I'm not really sure what show dogs are about, would you make Jordan Prime Minister on the grounds that she's got a big chest?

Another type of dog to steer clear of is fashionable 'must have' breeds which come and go out of fashion as quickly as skirt lengths change. I've read recently that the 'must have' in a certain social circle of women is the Pug. This is a breed that comes ready equipped with a whole range of health problems as a matter of course. When you add a sudden demand then unscrupulous dealers will churn them out regardless of quality. Another area of risk is when a dog appears in a film or on tv. Remember 102 Dalmatians? Ask any rescue centre how they were inundated 6 - 12 months after the films release when all those cute puppies grew up. How long before the R.S.P.C.A are swamped with Pugs because they're 'so last year'.

A Few Days Away

2008-07-18T10:12:00.004+01:00

From Monday 21st to Thursday 24th July 2008 I will be taking a short break in Barcelona. I will be up and running again first thing Friday 25th.

If your situation is non urgent I will deal with any messages and contact you on my return. Should you require rapid intervention then a visit to Jan Fennell's website will lead to a list of all qualified and authorised Dog Listeners who, using Amichien Bonding techniques, will be able to assist you.

Yellowstone Wolves, New Arrivals

2008-07-08T09:00:00.003+01:00

Earlier this year I was in Yellowstone Park with Jan Fennell and other Dog Listeners, watching wolves. Thanks to the tremendous knowledge and skill of our guides Nathan and Linda we saw things that people who have been long term watchers have never seen.

One of these rare moments was to observe a mating ritual complete with 'tie'. If that wasn't special enough the pack involved were the 'Druids Peak Pack'. This particular pack have a very special place in the hearts of those involved in the regeneration of the wolf in the wild.

This morning we had a message from Linda Thurston that the Druids had been sighted with twelve, yes twelve puppies. What tremendous news and a huge boost for the survivability of the pack. We must remember that for a short time earlier this year that wolves were taken off the list of protected species and hunting was to be allowed. Happily common sense prevailed but they are always moves afoot to allow the killing of wolves to be made legal again. we will remain vigilant.

Three Silly News Stories

2008-07-07T17:08:00.004+01:00

It must be 'Silly Season' looking at the press this week. We of course had the one serious story covered in a separate blog about Shock Collars in Wales.

Silly story number one was the introduction of a new non emergency phone number by Dundee Police to take pressure off of the 999 system which was being overloaded by trivial enquiries.

It was decided that a bright eye catching poster was needed to draw the public's attention to the change. After much discussion it was decided to use a picture of an eight week old German Shepherd puppy, a potential Police Dog. Sitting in his handler's upturned cap doing what pups do best, looking cute. Next to the picture were details of the new phone number. A simple idea, people see the cute picture, look at the poster and get the information.

No problem? Wrong, of course there is a problem. What if it upsets one of the few Muslims who live in the force area? They think dogs are unclean so everyone in the Police Service must make a grovelling public apology for the 'insensitivity' of the Police and of course withdraw the poster. Has anyone complained? One local politician out to make a name for himself. I know that there are people of all persuasions who trawl the media looking for some way, anyway, to be outraged or offended but come on, hasn't some senior Police Officer or Government member got the guts to stand up and point out to the troublemakers that it's a picture of a small dog advertising a phone number? That's all it is, furthermore, the number is to help 'the community' a word beloved of these easily offended people who are usually self styled 'Community Leaders'. In many cases of course the last thing these 'leaders' want is a happy and contented community because then their power base would be gone and they would have to revert to their true selves, sad inadequates with a strong dose of bitterness.

It is also of interest that it is now not uncommon to see Muslims with dogs, if only to guard their premises and that a number of Muslim clerics have stated that, even those who do consider dogs unclean make an exception in the case of hunting and 'Service' dogs because they are assisting mankind. A storm in a teacup, or should I say a Police Cap?

Silly story two. Once again political correctness interferes for no reason, and of course, doesn't ask the people who have to do the job. This time it's worry in case a explosive detection dog had to search a Muslim household and as a result offended the occupants. As previously mentioned the dog would be a service dog and therefore if not OK at least acceptable. The only thing that would be offensive would be dog saliva. So what have the brains come up with to prevent potential terror suspects being made 'unclean' by saliva? Yes you're right, got it in one. Fit them with little lace up bootees, that'll solve it???

I have a suspicion that anyone having their property searched with a terrorist connection is probably going to be less than pleased anyway and the arrival of a dog is going to be the least of their worries, unless of course the dog finds 'the hide'. Once again people who don't live in the real world are just looking for conflict. they are following their own agenda.

We did try boots on police dogs back in the 80s when inner city riots were sweeping the UK but found that the dogs were a little less than impressed with their new kit. Some ripped them straight off, others refused to move and those that did tended to stagger as if drunk before picking one of the other options to deal with them.

Silly story three, the top three breeds in a list of the most aggressive dogs are, 1) Dachshund. 2) Chihuahua 3) Jack Russell. We Dog listeners have a saying that to blame a dogs behaviour solely on its breed is like saying all Frenchmen wear berets. Of course breeds have certain pre-dispositions that we've bred into them but almost without fail their behaviour is down to the way that they interact with their owners and the signals they get from them. Owners of bigger dogs are probably more aware of the potential of trouble if their dogs bite. Many owners of smaller breeds either don't believe that their dog would bite anyone or if they do don't think it either hurts or matters. Owners like this often get a rude awakening when they injured party turns up at the Police Station demanding action.

Don't worry what breed or mix of breeds you've got, big or small. If you give them the right information so they can rely on you (that doesn't mean nagging them with sit, down and stay ad nauseum), they will be happy and safe dogs. the best way to achieve this is by contacting me or one of my colleagues and arranging a consultation. You can find a list of qualified Dog Listeners by visiting Jan Fennell's website www. janfennellthedoglistener.com

To read the full 'Ankle Biter' story click on http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2254479/Sausage-dogs-are-the-most-aggressive-dogs.html

Electric Shock Collars Banned in Wales

2008-07-07T16:29:00.003+01:00

The good news is that the Welsh Assembly have banned Electric ShockCollars. The bad news is that it remains legal to buy sell and use them for the forseeable future until further legislation is enacted.The very bad news is that the UK Government is not following suit. I remember a certain Anthony (call me Tony. I'm just a regular guy) Blair promising 'joined up government' when he came to power. That obviously doesn't cover things that probably 99% of the public think is wrong like cruelty.

How about this for a response to the ruling? A statement from the UK government says: "While we are aware of a number of scientific studies on electric shock collars DEFRA considers that to date those studies published in this area are not sufficiently robust and that the evidence base needs to be built on before consideration can be given to either banning or regulating their use."The government is not prepared to do this unless there is clear evidence that these devices in themselves are harmful to welfare.

"DEFRA,now there's a name to conjure with. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. would that be the same DEFRA whose incompetence at their own laboratories allowed the Foot and Mouth virus to escape thus decimating the UK cattle population, forcing many farmers into bankruptcy and some to suicide? The same DEFRA who have systematically made a complete hash out of dealing with, Bird Flu, Blue Tongue, the Bovine TB issue to name but a few? I'd go to Lucretia Borgia for cooking lessons before seeking DEFRAs opinion on animal welfare.

The fight goes on against both shock and spiked collars, we're not going away. How a supposedly intelligent person can put out a press release like the one above I just don't know. Did they not read what they had written before sending it out for release? Perhaps they should have said 'They're only a little bit cruel. Ok, so they hurt the dogs and place them under stress because the dog doesn't know what's going on but hey! We need to be robust and really put the animals under pressure so that we can see them really traumatised. Only then can we have discussion and focus groups talking at public expense for several years at least before coming up with some wishy washy non decision."

I favour the attitude of Sir Winston Churchill. When he was presented with a situation in which it was obvious what had to be done, what was the right thing to do, would write across the papers in big letters so that there could be no doubt about his wishes. "ACTION THIS DAY!". just let some civil servant or politician try and say they misunderstood the Prime Ministers intentions. Surely any right minded person must know that this equipment is cruel and therefore should not be available to anyone to use at anytime?

Click on the link below to read the whole story

http://www.dogworld.co.uk/News/27-welsh-ban-for-shock-collars

Dog Listener's Newsletter

2008-06-29T16:29:00.004+01:00

We now have a new tool to help us spread the word about Amichien Bonding - the kind natural way to communicate with your dogs. Our own Newsletter. The first edition has just been published and you will be able to access it by clicking on the link below.

It carries a number of articles and I'm involved in three of them. Yellowstone Experience (I'm far right in the picture wearing a fetching little hat). Featured Dog Listeners about our involvement with rescue dogs from Afghanistan and their appearance at Crufts and finally, under the heading Health News is an article I wrote about Electric Shock Collars.

I don't yet know how often this Newsletter will be published but hope to keep getting involved in its content.

Read and enjoy. As always, any feedback welcome. http://www.listeningtoday.co.uk/

Forthcoming Talks

2008-06-18T17:17:00.004+01:00

During the second half of 2008 Jan Fennell is giving the following talks

Sunday 24th August 2008 : 11am For prompt start until 16:30 - Taunton, Somerset A Day with Jan Fennell The Dog Listener

VENUE: WellspringsLeisure Centre,Cheddon Rd, Taunton, Somerset TA2 7QP
24th August 2008
Usual format for Talk and Q&A:
Tickets £35.00 to include a Buffet Lunch
All Proceeds (including Jan's Fee) to go to
The Blue Cross - The St Margarets Hospice (Taunton)
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and The Bornfree Foundation
Part 1: appx 90 minutes talking then answers a few questions
Break for Lunch (Jan is signing books and writing questions for part 2 ).
Part 2: Jan comprehensively explains the 4 core elements of "Amichien Bonding" then continues answering questions.
For more information and tickets please telephone or email the contacts below Pam Shaw or Carly Warren.
Books and DVDs will be on sale throughout (all major cards accepted)
Telephone: Pam Shaw 01823 321540 or Carly Warren 01460 240773
Email: pamshaw11@tiscali.co.uk or carly@tbdp.co.uk

Sunday 5th October 2008 : 13:30 till 18:00 - Runnymead Hall Kiln Road Thundersley SS7 1TFAn Afternoon with Jan Fennell The Dog Listener in ESSEX
LECTURE - Q&A - Book/DVD sales and signing
Part 1: appx 90 minutes talking then answers a few questions - break for tea/coffee/snack usually for 30 - 45 mins (Jan is signing books and writing questions for part 2 ).
Part 2: Jan comprehensively explains the 4 core elements of "Amichien Bonding" then continues answering questions.
Books and DVDs will be on sale throughout (all major cards accepted)
VENUE The Runnymead Hall Kiln Road Thundersley SS7 1TF
Admission: advanced booking £18.00 or £20.00 at the door
For bookings please phone:
Julie Abbott on 07771 817097
Rachael Messiter 07747 022732
http://www.essexdoglisteners.com/
Telephone: 07771817097 or 07747022732 WWW: http://www.essexdoglisteners.com/

Saturday 15th November 2008 : 13.30 Onwards - The Wynward Rooms, Wynward, Cleveland. TS22 5BTAn Afternoon with Jan Fennell - Saturday 15th November 2008
An Afternoon with the Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener"
Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener" is coming to the North East!
The Wynward Rooms, Wynward, Cleveland TS22 5BT
LECTURE - Q&A - Book/DVD sales and signing
Part 1: appx 90 minutes talking then answers a few questions - break for tea/coffee/snack usually for 30 - 45 mins (Jan is signing books and writing questions for part 2 ).
Part 2: Jan comprehensively explains the 4 core elements of "Amichien Bonding" then continues answering questions.
Books and DVDs will be on sale throughout (all major cards accepted)
Admission by ticket only to include refreshments£20.00
For further information, please contact:
Karen 01740 620471 karen@pawscrossed.co.uk
Georgie 01609 883225 georgiebowe@aol.com
Margaret 01830 540213 k9_concerns@btinternet.com

There are also open days where Jan is speaking at Notcutts Garden Centres at Cambridge, Norwich, Oxford (27th July), and Peterborough. Except for the Oxford talk I don't have the dates to hand but if any of these Notcutts are near you then contact them for full details

Jan is a truly motivational speaker. If you haven't heard her before then I urge you to attend and defy you not to be convinced. I will be attending both the Oxford and Taunton events to assist. If you attend either of these events please come and say hello. I will be giving two talks in my own right the first to a private club in Haslemere on 2nd July and a second at 1030 Sunday 20th July for Southern Collie Club at Lloyd Hall, Brickfield Road, Outwood, Surrey.

Be there or be a rectangular thing.

Potential Poison in the Garden

2008-06-16T09:38:00.008+01:00

With the onset of good weather will come the increased activity in our gardens. The following information has just been released by Battersea Dogs Home which is important to every dog owner but particularly those of you who are keen gardners. This came from Ali Taylor, Head of Welfare, Battersea DH. They gave permission for it to be passed on.

Quote:"Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden.Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mum woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch cansuffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."Also included was the following information -Quote:Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called "Theobromine" . It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die.Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine."

I've passed this information on in the hope of preventing similar tragedies. As most of you will know Theobromine is present in all chocolate. The better the quality of chocolate the higher concentration and therefore the greater the danger to your dog. The only safe dose of chocolate for your dog is none.

See http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp for more information

Be safe, stay safe.

New Consumer Protection Laws

2008-05-26T08:34:00.003+01:00

Today sees a massive shake up in Consumer Protection Laws giving major new powers to, amongst others, Trading Standards Officers. To tackle 'Rogue Traders' It is said to be the biggest change for forty years.

Things were much different then. In 1968 the Vietnam War was still raging, London was 'Swinging London', the mini skirt was at its height, in more ways than one and I was a young single Policeman with hair and a Fender Stratocaster, living in Soho just around the corner from Carnaby Street. Life was much simpler then and although there have always been con artists and cowboys queing up to take peoples money, it has, without doubt got much worse in recent years.

There are many ways that people can be misled into parting from their money from complete lies to just giving the impression that a person is qualified and experienced enough to competently undertake the task required by the client when they are patently not. In the world of 'Dog Training' when you encounter one of these often well meaning people and it all goes horribly wrong, it will not be their fault, oh no, it will be your fault for having that particular breed of dog, whatever it might be. "Well if you will get a (fill in breed name here), what do you expect?" Is what you'll hear, or maybe "That dog's over the top" or "Your dog's stupid, you won't be able to do anything with him".

In the canine world there is nothing to stop anyone from hiring a church hall and advertising 'Dog Training Classes' and taking peoples money when in fact they have little or no experience with dogs other than their own pet pooch at home. Indeed there is one very well known personality who makes a very good living from giving advice in how to deal with canine behavioural problems, who has never owned a dog. Another person in the same line of work who, although having some background in dogs, seriously over states their CV. Of course if someone had letters after their name that might reassure you. You could be misled. There are organisations that people can join, the only entry criteria being whether they can afford the fee, which then allow them to put a string of letters on their website. Poor old Joe Public comes along and says, "Hey these people are well qualified, lets go with them". Another ploy used by some people is to set up their own organisation which can allow letters to be used. There is one such person who lists themself as 'Chairman and Founder Member' of the particular association. Of course I can't help but wonder how many other members there are. Is this person any good? Who knows, but always check the reality behind the window dressing before spending money it may save you both grief and money further down the line.

There are many good 'dog people' out there I'm not trying to scaremonger I'm just saying be careful. If it's an obedience club, agility, field trials, flyball or any other dog activity that takes your fancy then go along without your dog and just watch. Do the instructors seem competent? Do they need to use gadgets to achieve the desired result? Is there any aggression used either verbal or physical? do the owners seem happy? And most important of all, how are the dogs reacting? Always ask questions. If the trainer, consultant, listener or whisperer, the title doesn't matter, is evasive then walk away. If your instinct makes you unsure then you're probably right.

As a 'Jan Fennell Dog Listener' I welcome this legislation because I know that I, and all of my colleagues working under Jan's name, with her blessing, are squeaky clean. Jan is a very strong lady who holds the integrity of 'Amichien Bonding' as sacrosanct. This system is her baby, she developed and refined it and introduced the rest of the canine world to it and she's not going to let others come along and hijack it.

Why would people do that? Because when the words Dog Listener are used, even if they don't know her name people think of Jan Fennell. As a result it's easy for people to use the name or variations of it to hitch their waggon to a rising star, much easier than making your own reputation isn't it? Jan could very easily have sold franchises as other organisations do and she'd have been a very rich woman. However the welfare of both dog and owner has always been Jan's first and only concern.

When someone approaches Jan wishing to become a Dog Listener they have to attend a foundation course. At this time Jan will decide if the student has the potential to go further. If so they are invited (just paying some money won't do) to attend the advanced course. On successful completion of this course they become a 'Non Active Dog Listener' moving on to 'Preliminary Dog Listener' then to 'Recommended Associate Dog Listener' and then 'Highly Recommended Dog Listener'. At every stage to progress to the next level or maintain their current status, every Dog Listener must fulfill a number of strictly enforced criteria including, every client having phone or email back up for the life of their dog and full case histories of consultations going to Jan so that she can monitor the standard of work and contact clients direct. Every client is given an evaluation form which goes direct to Jan as a quality control measure. Every Dog Listener that reaches and maintains the standards set by Jan is listed on her website.

So if you need help with your dog and you find someone on the internet, not matter what they call themselves or describe their work, before you book them check Jan's website and see if the 'Dog Listener (or variant) is listed. If not I suggest that you adopt the voice of a night club doorman and say, "If your name's not on the list, you're not coming in"

Wolf Watching

2008-03-17T08:07:00.005Z

As promised an update on my exploits watching wolves in Montana and Wyoming. It's been delayed because I never dreamed I would be so busy.

In early February I flew from Heathrow to Chicago meeting up with several other dog Listeners on the way. After an overnight stop we flew to Bozeman, Montana where the whole group assembled and met our guides Nathan and Linda, biologists who had been involved in the re-introduction of wolves to Yellowstone from its inception to the present. To say that they were knowledgeable would be doing them a grave injustice. They not only seemed to know everything but everyone as well. Nathan had been brought up in Yellowstone and through his research and involvement with the wolf project had met and married Linda. If you want to go on a trip of a life time then you will not do better than to contact them at http://www.wolftracker.com/ they were great from arrival to departure.

As well as Nathan and Linda our group also included Jan Fennell and Dog Listeners not only from the UK and Ireland but also the USA, New Zealand and Belgium. We then had fairly lengthy drive to Gardiner Montana our first base of operations. The weather was cold and the snow deep but we were well equipped and so able to deal with it. The evening of the first day ended with an evening meal and presentation at the Animal Track Education Centre, a place we would come to know well.

The following (and every other) morning we were up, dressed and out in the car park before 0600 to await the arrival of Nathan and Linda. They arrived punctually as always and straight away started dispensing coffee, hot chocolate (my favourite) and breakfast such as hot Danish pastries and other decadent nibbles. It was great! Every morning breakfast was different but always good.

After breakfast it was into the vehicles and off to the Northern Range where we spent a lot of our time in the first phase of the trip in and around Lamar Valley and Slough Creek. we hadn't been on the road long when a lone black wolf popped out onto the road in front of us and disappeared up the bank opposite. It wasn't a well animal and was thought to be a survivor of a pack that had been decimated. Very sad and our hearts went out to her but nature in the raw is a hard taskmaster. We were to see this wolf several times during our stay and she seemed to be holding on, no mean feat for a young animal without the support of a pack.

Every morning we would get to our observation points and the spotting scopes would go up and as always, guided by Nathan and Linda almost at once we would start seeing wolves. I've spoken to people who've been wolf spotting and seen virtually nothing. Everyday we saw something tremendous. We saw three of the major packs in Yellowstone, the Druid Peak pack, the Slough Creek pack (a lot of history between those two) and the seldom seen Leopold pack as well as several unknown wolves. We witnessed the Alphas of the Druids mating, one of the 'unknowns' trying to seduce and lure away at least one of the Druid daughters to start a new pack. We saw wolves at a kill being 'mugged' by ravens. There were just so many behaviours on show. Play, courtship, mating, discipline, relaxation, guarding and parenting. Each of these behaviours invaluable to us in our work with 'canis familiaris' the domestic dog. Throughout the day we would eat a variety of things standing in the snow. Cold meats, cheese, peanut butter maybe some soup. You would think that we would suffer from the cold but we didn't.

Perhaps the hardest physical part of the trip was an uphill snowshoe trek to see an abandoned wolf den. To say that using snowshoes requires a little skill and co-ordination would be an understatement. We made it after much falling over and giggling but of course we had to get back and now we were tired and heading downhill in thin air which makes breating difficult. I really hated gravity that day.

We would watch wolves until it got too dark and then it was back for a freshen up and then to the education centre and the one hot meal of the day while enjoying some tremendous presentations from some of the major names in wolf research. people like Jim Halfpenny, Daniel Stahler, Bob Landis, film maker, who has won an Emmy for his films on Yellowstone wolves. He showed us, as yet unshown footage for his next film. we were entertained one lunchtime at the home of Dan Hartman naturalist and wildlife photographer. The beauty of where Dan lives is just amazing. This is a word that was used a lot by our group, so much so that it was banned. It cost anyone saying amazing in any context a bottle of wine. It was at Dan's house that I took a picture of a Pine Marten of which I'm quite proud.

Although the object of the trip was to research wolves and that's what we did on most days from morning 'til night we also saw a host of other wildlife and their behaviours such as coyotes, also a fascinating animal one of whom came very close to me in the field. He was wearing a radio collar so that he could be tracked. We also saw Bison, the most dangerous animals in the park, Elk, Pronghorns and all manner of birds including Bald Eagles that I felt a certain affinity with. We did not see any bears in the wild as they were hibernating although we did see several in a rescue centre that had been orphaned.

For the second part of the trip we were based in the town of West Yellowstone a bit more modern than Gardiner which gave us access to other areas of the park and its wildlife. It was from here that we had a tracked 'snow coach' to visit the area around 'Old Faithful'. The trip was eventful from the start when we waited in vain for the coach. Several phone calls and another wait later it turned up. Its appearance didn't fill me with confidence as we were travelling a fair distance into a hostile environment where mobile phones didn't work. We set off and the vehicle didn't sound or feel right. As the morale officer I was saying things like "we're going to break down". or "I can smell burning". Unusually I was right, because it was at this point that the vehicle filled with smoke and steam and we came to a halt. Luckily the vehicle was fitted with a radio and a replacement vehicle was brought out to us. This was much newer and more comfortable so we continued our journey. we visited 'Old Faithful' and saw it blow, this was probably the only part of the whole trip that didn't impress me. It was OK but I was expecting something earthshaking but it just went 'phut, phut.........phut, phut, phut' and then a mild 'whoosh' and it was all over. It's only well known because of its regularity. Some of the other geysers, and there are many, I found much more interesting because you just never know, if.....or when? Particularly when I found that some of the geysers we were looking at featured in a book I'd bought about 'Death in Yellowstone' one of the two most bought books in the park. I also bought a copy of the second most popular for my grandson, James. It is the delightfully titled 'Who Pooped in the Park?'

This final part of our trip gave us some time in the evenings and we were able to discover a local restaurant and bar by the name of 'Bullwinkles' where we had some good times. the locals wherever we went were really friendly but at Bullwinkles after having had a whole cow on your plate we were able to relax and mingle with the locals over a glass of the local beer 'Moose Drool' or, for the ladies, a glass of wine from the local label 'Three Blind Moose' I'm sure you've heard the saying "it does what it says on the label"?

At the end of our stay we all agreed that we'd had a wonderful time and that we would return, it was a fabulous experience. Although I'm not allowed to say amazing, I will say that I now know why Americans say 'Awesome' so much, because it is.

If you get the chance to see the wolves just do it. If you want five star comfort and spas save your money but if you want tremendous company, amazing (there I've said it and don't care) experiences, warm, clean basic hotels and don't forget............MOOSE DROOL!!!!! Then book now.

Crufts 2008

2008-03-10T16:06:00.006Z

As you may have read in an earlier blog, a friend and colleague of mine Caroline Spencer have been supporting the rehabilitation of two dogs, Nowzad and Tali rescued by Royal Marine Sergeant 'Penny' Farthing from the abuse they were suffering in Afghanistan. They now live a life of luxury with Pen and his wife Lisa in the UK.

This connection is timely because the theme for the 2008 International Day of the Dog (IDOD) is rescue dogs and if ever dogs were in need of rescue, these were. IDOD is an event that takes place every April and is the brainchild of Jan Fennell 'The Doglistener', pioneer of the 'Amichien Bonding' method of canine communication.

Nowzad and Tali were one of five nominees for the Kennel Clubs 'Friends for Life' award which is awarded following a phone in vote by viewers to the BBC's Crufts programmes. The award ceremony is a huge event and can be overwhelming to both humans and dogs. It takes place in an arena in front of a crowd of 7000 and is screened live around the world to countless millions. A daunting prospect for anyone but the other nominees included an autistic boy, an 11 year old girl with cerebal palsy (the eventual winner) who had been virtually confined to a wheelchair until her dog gave her the confidence to start walking. There were also two ladies with severe mobility problems whose dogs, one a Newfoundland the other a black German Shepherd had given them their lives back. Every one of the six dogs nominated would have been a worthy winner.

Caroline and I had gone to Crufts to offer support to Pen and Lisa, not in a partisan way but to ensure that the dogs went into that arena in a calm state of mind to do otherwise would not be right. Until the end of 2007 they had lived their lives in a war zone. Why should they trust a human unless he dressed as a Royal Marine? It was important that Pen and Lisa knew we were there, they knew what they had to do but they didn't want us with them every waking minute. We stressed to them the techniques that they had to work on right up to the big moment. As long as they knew that at any time if there was a problem we were able to be with them within minutes to resolve the situation. We also had to be at the arena entrance to make that final decision at the very last moment, how are the dogs going to cope? Are there going to be be both humans and dogs in the arena or only one or even no dogs just Pen and Lisa?

Because as always, we have the interests of all dogs at heart we were, with the blessing of the Kennel Club able to work with and offer assistance to all of the nominees and dogs. They were all delightful people with wonderfully supportive families. Obviously in a time frame of a couple of days we can't deal with every problem but that was not our aim. We just needed to ensure that both owner and dog were happy throughout the ceremony and not subjected to any undue stress.

It was my turn to drive and so because I was having a lady passenger, the day before we travelled I washed my car and discovered that I own a blue one. I then cleaned the interior and removed the old newspapers and cleared the pens (32 in number) from the front passenger seat and filled the fuel tank. I was leaving at 5.30 am and so wanted everything ready so that I could get in and go. Just before going to bed I had to do a pick up job, it was at this point that one of my headlights decided to pack up obviously a taster of what was to come. To change a headlight on my car requires a degree in advanced electrical engineering and hands the size of a three year old. Late at night with an early start and long drive ahead the prospect filled me with dread. I knew that if I attempted it I'd be left with skinned knuckles and a foul temper. My wife then suggested I take her car as she wouldn't need a vehicle until daylight and could use mine. Problem solved, I transferred all my luggage, refuelled (again) and was ready to go.

The following morning I set off as planned, picked up Caroline en route and headed for Birmingham. We decided to go and locate our hotel first because as our decision to go to Crufts had been taken only in the past few weeks all the hotels near the venue were booked solid. We managed to find accomodation at an establishment some distance away that was clearly modelled on Bate's Motel. Having found the place and so understanding why they had vacancies, we headed for the show.

If you have never been to the NEC at Birmingham let me tell you that it is a very impressive range of halls. The car parks are massive and managed in a very unusual way. Normally the first arrivals at a venue are placed closest to the event, not at the NEC, the first arrivals are placed in the car parks furthest away. When you realise that this could place you just a little bit north of Manchester you begin to sense the annoyance felt when you realise that the people who didn't get out of bed until after lunch are able to park by the front door.

We were placed in car park North 12. It was so far north that all the staff were Glaswegian. There are shuttle buses to the doors which are free after you've paid your £8 parking charge but the queues were horrendous so, having been told that it was only a 10 minute walk we decided on that option. There is a different perception of time and distance in Birmingham but eventually after coming across several remote South American tribes we arrived at the doors only to discover that they were at the opposite end of the complex to the show itself but unfazed we pushed on.

Huge, crowded and noisy are the words to come to mind. when I was in Montana recently watching wolves (blog to follow) I saw on US tv reports of a prestigious dog show which was reported as "The Worlds Biggest Dog Show" they boasted of having "over 2000 dogs competing". At Crufts I saw competitors wearing numbers well over 20,000. There are an array of halls used with breeds being judged, agility competitions and all manner of dog related activities. There were also countless stalls selling everything from really useful equipment to tasteless rubbish. For me the slate clocks with the naff pictures of various breeds of dogs on them got my 'DelBoy, Most Favourite Piece of Tat Award' although the reflective dog bandanas came a very close second.

As previously mentioned the day progressed and Caroline and I developed a rapport with the Kennel Club staff dealing with the Friends fo Life Awards, and got involved not only with Pen and Lisa but with the other nominees as well. We were heavily involved in the rehearsals which take place after the show closes to the public on Saturday evening. By the time we left to return to the car it was like a ghost town. All the Nominees, Kennel Club and BBC staff were staying at the Hilton Hotel directly opposite the NEC. We looked at the signposts and found ones that directed us to the South and East car parks but nothing else, I then found a sign mentioning North car park but it was preceded with the words 'No Access to'. We walked and walked until we found a security hut. when we asked the way the guard was helpful but couldn't supress a laugh. He pointed us in the right direction? And off we went again, two further encounters with security guards and over three quarters of an hour later we found my car, alone, in a vast empty carpark, no wonder it was whimpering. At last, back to the hotel and some food. Yeah right! We followed the directions to the exit only to find locked gates! We turned around and drove through the complex following various exit signs all of which led to more locked gates. Suddenly there were no security guards to be found, they were all probably rolling around on the floor laughing, watching us on cctv. Eventually more by luck than judgement we found the only unlocked exit from the site which for some reason did not have an exit sign.

On our return to our hotel we asked about getting a meal, no chance, it was Saturday night and they did have a large restaurant but they weren't able to do food although they could sell us a packet of crisps in the bar. When we asked about other options we were given a choice between the Indian Restaurant across the other side of the dual carriageway and, oh I forgot, there was no other choice. We had a nice stroll to the eating place via the seductively lit, urine drenched underpass which although unpleasant did mask the smell of diesel.

On reaching the restaurant we were quite concerned, we were starving and it was Saturday night in Birmingham the curry centre of the UK. Would they have a table for us? We were lucky, they did have a table for us, in fact they had all the tables for us. The place was empty but no problem, that meant we'd get served quickly before the late night rush came in, wrong again. Still looking on the bright side the wait must mean that our meal is being lovingly prepared, the herbs and spices being hand crafted by ancient 'spice gurus'. If you can't get a good curry in Birmingham where can you? I don't know, I just know that you can't in this particular one. The meal when it arrived was awful. I've seen better looking fatal accidents and it tasted dreadful. The only saving grace was that the portions were small. When we left we still the only customers hmmmm, I wonder why!

Sunday arrived, the big day and we had an early start. We strode into the hotel carpark and I pressed the remote unlocking button on my car keys and nothing happened. After trying several more times I realised that the battery in the key must need replacing, strange as it's a fairly new car. After opening the car manually we found that it would not start. It was at this stage that I lost the will to live but, undeterred, I did a thorough, in depth mechanical evaluation and discovered that someone (I have no idea who) had left the lights on all night. Luckily a good Samaritan came to our aid with a magic battery booster and all was well. Nobody ever need know unless my wife reads this blog, Doh!!!

On our arrival at the NEC we found ourselves in carpark North 10B which seemed to be even further away than Saturdays North 12. at least we knew where we were going this time and were able to get straight to work. We spent the day moving between the NEC and Hilton Hotel, working with those nominees that wanted help or assistance of any sort as well as making sure that people were in the right place at the right time and in the right frame of mind. This was made a little difficult when while escorting the nominees to a suite where a buffet and recption had been arranged for them we were denied access by security who were utterley unconcerned that these people had passes and most had mobility problems. I even pointed out that these people had their pictures and stories across several pages of the official programme and were being shown nightly on BBC tv. After a lot of flared nostrils and intervention from the highest level of the Kennel Club our party was allowed through. It did solve one mystery, if you ever wonder what happened to the Krankies now that they are no longer on tv I can tell you. They are working as security guards at the NEC.

When the big moment came all the dogs went into the arena and behaved beautifully. Just prior to their entrance Pen and Lisa were in the holding area doing some exercises with Nowzad and Tali designed to focus the dogs attention on them and disregard the noise and lights in the arena. At this stage some complete moron, a member of a 'Dog Training' club complete with heavily logoed polo shirt tried to stare Nowzad out. A stupid move for anyone, but for a man who was so full of his own wind and importance about how 'good' he was with dogs it was criminal. he took an aggressive stance like a nightclub doorman and kept moving so that he could maintain eye contact which as all real dog people know is a challenge when done in that manner. Caroline told Pen to keep turning away from the threat and keep his pulse rate down so that Nowzad was not stressed. Both Caroline and I asked this man to desist but he ignored us, Pen was remarkably restrained which was great because had he reacted Nowzad would have lost the plot. I on the other hand was probably a bit more 'proactive' and had a full and frank exchange of opinions with this man, I'd had my fill of fools for that day.

Once the presentation was over we were ready for home. We even managed to get a shuttle bus to the carpark and find my car. Would it start? Yes!! We weren't even fazed when as on the previous night the gates had all been locked, we knew where to go. We arrived home very tired, it had been a hectic couple of days but we both felt that we had achieved something really worthwhile. We hope to build on the advances and contacts we made.